Poker Run Will Continue Aug. 15 to Honor LillyJean Roberts and Support Her Family

MAYWOOD, Mo. — A benefit poker run planned for Saturday, Aug. 15, will continue following the passing of 9-year-old LillyJean Roberts, giving the community an opportunity to honor her memory and stand beside her family.

LillyJean, known to many as LJ, had been fighting Stage 4 Ewing sarcoma after being diagnosed in July 2025 at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Organizer Curt Meany announced that the benefit will proceed as planned with the support of the Roberts family.

“While our hearts are grieving the loss of LJ, and with the support of the Roberts family, we will continue our mission of ensuring that no one walks alone through difficult times.”

“While our hearts are grieving the loss of LJ, and with the support of the Roberts family, we will continue our mission of ensuring that no one walks alone through difficult times.”

He said the event will offer a chance to celebrate LillyJean’s life, honor her memory and surround the Maywood family with love, prayers and financial support.

A tradition of helping families

This will be the group’s 10th benefit event. Organizers report that the previous nine benefits raised more than $400,000, with 100% of the money given to the families each event was organized to support.

The goal this year is to once again bring people together and show the Roberts family that they are not walking through this difficult time alone.

The benefit will begin at 724 County Road 139 in Maywood. Check-in opens at 9:30 a.m., with the ride expected to begin between 11 and 11:30 a.m.

The cost is $20 per rider. Children ages 12 and younger may ride for free. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver.

Family-friendly ride stays on public roads

Side-by-sides, four-wheelers and other vehicles are welcome. Organizers emphasize that this is a family-friendly event.

The approximately 30-mile route will include three stops. The entire route follows gravel and other public roads. It does not include off-road trails or riding across private property.

Directional signs and arrows will be posted along the route. Riders may make the trip as short or as long as they choose, but everyone is asked to return to the starting location by 5 p.m.

Participants also are asked to respect property along the route and keep any trash with them until it can be disposed of properly. Pets should not be brought to the event.

Meal and live auction to follow

Food will be served after the ride, beginning around 5 p.m., for a free-will donation. Organizers encourage participants to eat before the ride begins.

A live auction is expected to begin around 6 p.m. Donations of auction items are still being accepted. Local businesses and others who would like to contribute are encouraged to contact the organizers.

Community members do not have to participate in the ride to help. They may attend the meal, donate an auction item, bid during the auction or simply come out to support the Roberts family and honor LillyJean’s life.

For directions, auction donations or other questions, call 573-795-4372.

Below are just a few of the many items in the Auction.